Being charged with a DUI is a serious matter. You need to read this article to find out what you need to do to protect your rights. If you are thinking about appearing pro se, you need to reconsider your decision. Instead, you need to seriously consider hiring a DUI attorney to represent you. He will have the specialized knowledge to negotiate a deal for you or properly represent you at trial.
Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also getting more expertise and competence in this area; and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time and money.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you are potentially facing a lot of headaches. DUI deaths have prompted a great deal of media attention and juries are apt to punish DUI defendants to the maximum extent of the law. I am not concerned with whether or not you are guilty or innocent.
But, if you are guilty, then representing yourself might be the second biggest mistake you make. Going to court by yourself is the equivalent of legal "suicide" and will cost you lots of time money. Worse, you could lose your job and your freedom. Even if you do get probation, the fines and fees will cripple you financially. Do you understand now why I advise getting a DWI attorney?
Just because an attorney practices criminal law, does not mean he is qualified to handle DUI cases. DUI defense is a specialized practice; and, you cannot afford to trust your well being to just any attorney. So, when you find an attorney for a DUI defense, try to find one that is board certified if your state bas association has such a specialization.
If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense "on the cheap?"
You can expect a DUI attorney to charge a larger fee for his services because of his specialized knowledge and experience. Discuss legal fees with your attorney early on in the interview. You will probably be charged a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to put a down payment ("retainer") down in advance. The fee is usually charged regardless of outcome.
The typical DUI defendant is not aware of the complexities of DUI litigation. This is no time to decide to "do it yourself." Instead, it is time to get serious about your freedom and find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense.
It is going to cost more than the typical criminal defense lawyer. But, you are paying for that reputation, experience and expertise. Now is not the time to decide to save a few bucks. The money you save could cost you your freedom.
Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also getting more expertise and competence in this area; and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time and money.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you are potentially facing a lot of headaches. DUI deaths have prompted a great deal of media attention and juries are apt to punish DUI defendants to the maximum extent of the law. I am not concerned with whether or not you are guilty or innocent.
But, if you are guilty, then representing yourself might be the second biggest mistake you make. Going to court by yourself is the equivalent of legal "suicide" and will cost you lots of time money. Worse, you could lose your job and your freedom. Even if you do get probation, the fines and fees will cripple you financially. Do you understand now why I advise getting a DWI attorney?
Just because an attorney practices criminal law, does not mean he is qualified to handle DUI cases. DUI defense is a specialized practice; and, you cannot afford to trust your well being to just any attorney. So, when you find an attorney for a DUI defense, try to find one that is board certified if your state bas association has such a specialization.
If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense "on the cheap?"
You can expect a DUI attorney to charge a larger fee for his services because of his specialized knowledge and experience. Discuss legal fees with your attorney early on in the interview. You will probably be charged a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to put a down payment ("retainer") down in advance. The fee is usually charged regardless of outcome.
The typical DUI defendant is not aware of the complexities of DUI litigation. This is no time to decide to "do it yourself." Instead, it is time to get serious about your freedom and find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense.
It is going to cost more than the typical criminal defense lawyer. But, you are paying for that reputation, experience and expertise. Now is not the time to decide to save a few bucks. The money you save could cost you your freedom.
